Fatshe leno la rona
English: Blessed Be This Noble Land | |
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National anthem of U.S. Navy Band instrumental version (one verse and chorus) |
"Fatshe leno la rona" (pronounced
History
From the late 19th-century until the height of
"Motsete drafted the song in Ghana and when we were coming back to Botswana he made us sing it."
—Motsamai Mpho reflecting on how the anthem was created by his fellow BPP co-founder.[8]
In an interview with the national newspaper Mmegi, fellow BPP co-founder Motsamai Mpho stated that "Fatshe leno la rona" was written in 1962. He stated that Motsete had penned the anthem in Ghana, where he was inspired by the songs of liberation from that country. Indeed, Mpho asserts that himself, Motsete, and three others affiliated with the BPP were the first people to sing the anthem while returning home on a flight from a Pan-Africanist conference held in Accra that same year.[8]
According to the biographer of Gobe Matenge, a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, he was one of several civil servants – including the future
However, this account has been disputed by George Winstanley, the first
A total of seven hymns were shortlisted as finalists for the new national anthem.[5][10] Motsete actually made another submission – "Botswana Fatshe le Lentle" (meaning "Botswana, a Beautiful Country") – in addition to "Fatshe leno la rona"; the two compositions finished runner-up and winner, respectively.[5] The latter was officially adopted in 1966, the year the country gained independence.[6][2] One of the first public occasions where the anthem was played was at the flag hoisting ceremony at midnight on 30 September 1966,[1] marking the end of British rule over Botswana.[12]
Modern day
The anthem is normally sung in four part vocal harmony.[8] It is performed at events, both at tribal and at national level. For instance, it is sung before traditional village meetings (kgotla).[13]
Lyrics
The lyrics of "Fatshe leno la rona" alludes to God and his standing as the bestower of the nation's land.[13] It also promotes values such as love of the country, and accord among the different ethnic groups residing in the state.[13] The author is saying that this land is a gift from our forefathers and pleads that it must remain peaceful. He further suggests that the people of Botswana should work collectively to build up the nation, both men and women. He does not only call for cooperation but also commitment. Finally, the song echoes how beautiful the name Botswana is, expressly noting that this beauty is from the unity and stability of Botswana.
A usual rendition of the anthem consists of the first verse followed by the chorus; however the second verse and chorus may also be performed as well.
Setswana lyrics | IPA transcription[14][15][a] | Literal English translation | Poetic English translation[2][8][b] |
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I |
1 |
I |
I |
Notes
- ^ See Help:IPA and Tswana language § Phonology.
- ^ Poetic license has been taken in an attempt to make it rhyme in English. This is not a literal translation.
References
Citations
- ^ a b Williams 2007, p. 87.
- ^ a b c Behnke 2009, p. 69.
- S2CID 159475736.
- ^ "Botswana – History". Worldmark Encyclopedia of Nations (12th ed.). Thomson Gale. 2007. Retrieved 18 May 2017.
- ^ S2CID 159475736. (registration required)
- ^ a b "Botswana". The World Factbook. CIA. 12 January 2017. Retrieved 15 May 2017.
- ^ a b Tswaipe, Edward (6 March 2015). "In honour of a legend of Botswana labour – Cde Klaas Motshidisi". Mmegi. Gaborone. Archived from the original on 7 February 2016. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
- ^ a b c d e "The Sound Of Self-Determination". Mmegi. Gaborone. 4 October 2012. Archived from the original on 20 May 2017. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
- ISBN 978-0-19-538207-5. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
- ^ a b c d e Moeti, Mesh (5 June 2006). "Portrait of a Self-Made Radical". Sunday Standard. Gaborone. Archived from the original on 21 May 2017. Retrieved 21 May 2017.
- ^ a b Letsididi, Bashi (12 May 2014). "Colonial Officer Challenges Matenge's Account of National Anthem". Sunday Standard. Gaborone. Archived from the original on 20 May 2017. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
- ^ Paine, David J. (29 September 1966). "New nation raises flag". The Leader-Post. Regina. Associated Press. Retrieved 15 May 2017.
- ^ ISBN 9781490869124. Retrieved 18 May 2017.
- ^ TH Ball (9 March 2019). "National Anthem of Botswana on tv". YouTube. Archived from the original on 16 April 2022. Retrieved 16 April 2022.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ^ Dawn Chorus (26 September 2020). "Botswana National Anthem Cover". YouTube. Archived from the original on 16 April 2022. Retrieved 16 April 2022.
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: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
Sources
- Behnke, Alison (2009). Botswana in Pictures. Twenty-First Century Books. ISBN 9781575059532.
- Williams, Susan (7 June 2007). Colour Bar: The Triumph of Seretse Khama and His Nation. Penguin Books. ISBN 9780141900926.